Mosman Cottage

A small, quirky cottage in a heritage conservation area required a complete rearrangement to correct a poor, dark internal layout and deficiencies in programme. The steeply pitched roof extends to the southern end of the house and a new upper level is stretched out within it. The upper rooms are linked by a 'bridgelike' plywood floor interspersed with two storey spaces over the entry, living and dining areas at the ground level. These spaces are skylight to provide as much northern light into the ground level as possible. Two upper level slatted boxes protrude out to the sides of the pitched roof to provide the additional volume required to contain a study, bedroom and bathroom. The slats (which are partially operable) provide sun control to the interior and visual texture to the exterior. At night, lit from inside they are 'lantern like' providing further visual interest. The existing feel of the house, is followed through with internal finishes including wallpaper and tiles which combine new and old in a quirky fashion.  Builder Reds Building Photographer Jason Waddell